Unwanted dresses to help in fight against cancer

A group of area natives are hoping to turn old, used party dresses into glass slippers in the fight against cancer.

Cari Kelly, a senior at Central Missouri State University, and members of her Kaw Valley Relay for Life team are beginning a project to collect unwanted prom, homecoming, bridesmaid and mother of the bride dresses from residents in Basehor, Bonner Springs and Tonganoxie.

The dresses will be refurbished, if necessary, and resold this year before prom season. Proceeds will go toward the American Cancer Society.

"We decided that this would be a great idea for a fund-raiser because a lot of people have dresses in the back of their closet that they will never be able to wear again, so why not donate them to a good cause?" Kelly said. "We're hoping to make this an annual event."

Anyone interested in donating dresses may deliver them to Community National Bank in Basehor, U.S. Highway 24-40 and 158th Street. For more information, contact Kelly via e-mail at ckelly1021@yahoo.com.

The Kaw Valley Relay for life is an annual event that raises money for cancer research. Next year's event is scheduled for July 21 at Bonner Springs High School. This year, more than 30 teams participated in the Kaw Valley event and raised about $115,000 for the cancer society.